Fall migration continues at a slow but steady pace over much of Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais. There have been a few new arrivals but no groundings or fallouts yet. Even locations like Presqu’ile Provincial Park have had few shorebirds and this is the beginning of the major shorebird migration.

Keep an eye out for major weather changes such as cold fronts or heavy rain and these conditions may produce some interesting sightings. The Kingston area has had a few recent interesting birds including American Golden-Plover, Western Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope. Both Presqu’ile and Prince Edward Point report low land bird numbers but the latter part of August and early September can be great for land bird migration.

Locally warbler migration is now in full swing but with low numbers. Over the past week 21 species have been reported. The Britannia Conservation Area-Mud Lake continues to be the hot spot with recent reports of Pine Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler and Northern Parula. In the Kingston and Presqu’ile areas there were reports of Prairie Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler and Golden-winged Warbler too. These jewels of the birding world now lack their bright, distinctive, spring breeding plumage which has moulted over the summer making them more of a challenge to identify. The Ovenbird, Black-throated Blue, Northern Waterthrush and American Redstart are just a few examples of warblers that look the same all year round. Check all feeding flocks carefully.

On Aug. 22 along the trails in the Shirley’s Bay area there was a nice selection of warblers including numerous Magnolia Warblers, two Canada Warblers, three Blackburnian Warblers, one Nashville Warbler, one Wilson’s Warbler and a male Black-throated Blue Warbler. Lots of patience is required when warbler watching as these birds tend to flit quickly from branch to branch in search of food and are well known for skulking. My advice is to find a location like Britannia Ridge where there is a feeding flock at eye level and wait for the warblers to come.

The Shirley’s Bay Causeway continues to be one of the best locations. I recommend an early morning visit. On Aug. 23 there was a nice variety of water birds at the base of the causeway including 70 Blue-winged Teals, 100 Green-winged Teals, one American Bittern, 12 Great Egrets and a small number of shorebirds being harassed by a Peregrine Falcon. A flock of 17 Black Terns were observed flying around and last observed heading down river towards Deschenes Rapids. This species was once a regular sight along the Ottawa River at Shirley’s Bay but has declined over the past four decades. A number of diving ducks were also noted including four male Redheads, two Greater Scaups and two Common Goldeneyes. For those wishing to visit the causeway, please note that access to the Shirley’s Bay Causeway is restricted. You must obtain permission from the Range Control Office by calling 613-991-5740.

Highlights last week included a Little Gull observed on Aug. 18 and 19 at Deschenes Rapids. The first record for the Ottawa-Gatineau district was discovered at the same location on June 4, 1975, 40 years ago. A male Eurasian Wigeon was found near Embrun on Aug. 23. This species is a very rare visitor to our region.

Over the next few weeks there will be a steady movement of warblers and other land birds including Vireos, Thrushes and Sparrows. There are numerous locations that can harbor these birds including Vincent Massey Park, Rockcliffe Park, The Arboretum, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Shirley’s Bay area and below Deschenes Rapids area along the bike path.

The Common Nighthawk continues to be reported from various locations in the Ottawa area. On Aug. 22, I observed a flock of more than 40 birds over Carp as they fed on insects. There was also a feeding flock of more than 25 Chimney Swifts too.

I have received numerous reports this week about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at feeders as well as feeding off a variety of flowering plants. Most hummingbirds leave our region during late August and early September but a few will linger into late September. Remember to carefully check any hummers at your feeder for a vagrant species such as Rufous Hummingbird.

The annual Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club (OFNC) Seedathon took place on Aug. 23. The team of Bernie Ladouceur, Bob Cermak, Greg Zbitnew and Giovanni Pari recorded 123 species in the Ottawa-Gatineau district. Pre-dawn birding was good with Whip-poor-will, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and an American Woodcock heard. Other birds of note were Carolina Wren, Caspian Tern, Great Egret and Bald Eagle. A great effort for a worthy cause. The annual Seedathon event has been raising funds to supply birdseed for the five public OFNC bird feeders since the early 1980s. For those who still wish to sponsor you can contribute so much per species found or a flat amount. Please contact Bernie Ladouceur at vbladouceur@rogers.com for further information.

With warbler migration underway many species of warblers are in their confusing fall colours like this Cape May warbler. With practice most can be identified using your field guide.Giovanni Pari/Ottawa Citizen

Many young sparrows are now on the move south. The White-throated Sparrow is a regular visitor to feeders during fall migration.Emily Burton/Ottawa Citizen

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